Fonterenza

These days the Fonterenza farmhouse is the centre of an agricultural estate, run by two young sisters, Margherita and Francesca Padovani. The “fonte” which gives its name to the farmhouse has long been known to the inhabitants of S.Angelo in Colle as a source of good water. Fonterenza preserves the traces of its past. There have been numerous structural changes over the centuries. Extensions were built and existing rooms were re-structured as families grew in size or extra farm animals were purchased. The farmhouse has been restored with a view to preserving its original characteristics of rural simplicity. The Campi Di Fontereza estate began with the purchase of 40 hectares of land, mostly in the Montalcino area, and with the passion of the two sisters for this area and this terroir. Their choice to be organic and their search for quality is a way of working that they feel they owe the future.

The vineyards - 2,5 hectares in production and 1,7 hectares planted in 2005 – are located near Montalcino at Poggio San Polino, 420 metres above sea level, in a hilly area not far from the S.Antimo abbey. The vineyards are near a wood, rich with arbustus berry trees and the traces of the traditional work of the coal miners. The land has good drainage and is of medium fine grain with good levels of clay and chalk.. The predominant exposition is South/Southwest. The growth system varies from 2,5 metres x 1 to 2,20 x 80. The growth system is “guyot” bordolese and “cordone speronato:” All operations in the vineyards are performed by hand by the sisters in person.

The yield per hectare is very limited. It varies from year to year but is always much lower than the yield that is consented according to the DOCG regulations. The work in the vines and the cellar operations take place according to biodynamic rhythms. In order to combat diseases in the vines, only sulphur, copper and plant extracts are used. The land is fertilised by ploughing in leguminous plants and, occasionally, with manure from organically certified cattle breeders. Selected yeasts are not used for fermentation.